Tech Notes
The following information is provided to ensure the
proper operation of
Remote Sensing of the Earth, Oceans, and Atmosphere with MODIS.
Please read this entire document.
Software Required:
This lecture has been recorded in sequential download audio format for replay over the Web. In order to access the audio segments, the Macromedia® Flash player must be installed on your computer. If you have not already done so, download and install this player from the Macromedia Web site.
Screen Resolution:
Run your browser window at full screen (i.e., hit the maximize button) before starting the module. The optimal screen resolution setting for this module is1024 x 768, 16-bit color or higher. Your screen resolution must be at least 800 x 600. Using a higher screen resolution will decrease the scrolling required. Running at 640 x 480 resolution is not recommended; you will have to scroll pages more frequently, and your need to scroll may not always be obvious since information at the bottom and sides of the page may not be visible.
Using the Module:
The Macromedia Flash files (which deliver the audio
and bullet presentations) use sequential downloads to begin playing presentation
before the entire file is stored on your hard drive. You can go back to
previous pages to hear them again, but while the file is downloading (indicated
by the spinning globe in Internet Explorer icon in the upper-left corner
or the shooting stars in Netscape icon in the upper-left corner) you may
not be able to access subsequent pages. There is a preload in the beginning
of each section that enables the presentation to play smoothly after starting.
There are 3 buttons that control the audio and bullet presentation located
in the upper right corner of the browser window. The Rewind button 
skips back 5 seconds per click to allow you to listen to the audio again.
The Pause/Play button 
has two functions. Clicking the Pause button icon (blue in this case)
stops the audio. Clicking the Play button icon (grey in this case) starts
the audio again. The Fast Forward button 
advances the audio 5 seconds. The audio progress indicator 
shows your current position in the audio segment relative to total length
of the segment. The number below the controls shows the total time of
the segment. To restart the audio segment from the beginning, click the
page number you are currently viewing.
To move from section to section from within the module, use the arrow
buttons below the page numbers in the Section Box 
.
Click the right arrow to advance to the next section. Click the left arrow
to go to the previous section. A grey arrow indicates that you are in
the first (or last) section.
Clicking the MODIS icon at the upper-left corner of the player window will close the Flash window. If you haven't opened any other browser windows, the "Start Module" page should be active on your screen. If it is not active, use the Task Manager bar or click the "Start Module" window to make it the active window.
Potential Audio Problems:
Some computers with older sound cards may not play the audio smoothly, and you may hear a popping or static-like sound. Using the latest software drivers (available from the manufacturer, often over the Web) may help solve this problem.
Font Size:
The information layout was designed to be viewed with a default font of Arial 10-point in Netscape Navigator®, or "Medium" font in Microsoft® Internet Explorer®. If you have another default font selected, you should probably change it now or you may experience text layout problems.
Printing:
To print individual Webcast pages, change your printer settings to "landscape" setting to get the Webcast Page on one printed page.
Browser Updating:
It is strongly suggested that you update your browser to the latest version currently available. This site makes use of dynamic HTML and Java applets. The module has been tested and functions correctly when viewed with Internet Explorer version 5.x and Navigator version 4.72 or higher. There may be minor differences in performance using Netscape 6.x, but the module will still function adequately. Other or older browsers are not recommended or supported for this Web site.
Cache Settings:
It is strongly suggested that you empty your cache and set the cache size to at least 12 MB or more. This will enable the module to run properly with less time spent downloading the pages. To do this in Netscape, use the Edit menu and select Preferences, Advanced, Cache. In Internet Explorer, use the View menu and select Internet Options, General, Temporary Internet Files, Settings.
Running Other Programs:
It is strongly suggested that you close all other applications while you use this module. Browsers require a significant amount of processor capacity, so the usability of the module will be compromised if you keep other applications open depending on the individual configuration of your system.